It is still possible to apply for a first classroom classroom teaching certificate in most areas via the Individual Evaluation Pathway! The areas for which this is no longer possible are Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), English Language Arts 7-12, Literacy (Birth-Grade 2), Literacy (Grades 5-12), and Middle Childhood (Grades 5-9) Generalist.

What does this mean? If you have never held a NYS classroom teaching certificate, or the only NYS classroom teaching certificate that you hold is an expired Certificate of Qualification (CQ) or an expired Provisional Certificate, you can no longer apply for any of the titles listed above as your first teaching certificate. You will need to either pursue a different area of teaching (such as Students With Disabilities) as your first certificate, or contact one of the local colleges with an Approved Teacher Preparation Program in your primary area of interest.

If you would like more information regarding the Individual Evaluation Pathway for a first classroom teaching certificate in area not listed above, you may request a consultation appointment with the Erie 1 BOCES Regional Certification Officer (RCO) by completing and submitting the request that is located under "Currently Certified Teachers" - back one page. (Please note that there are a few certificate titles for which an RCO is unable to provide assistance.)